KUCHING, Feb 26: State Health Department (JKNS) director Dr. Chin Zin Hing reminded Sarawakian that asymptomatic individuals in the local community could become the spreader of the Covid-19 virus.
Dr. Chin in a press statement today said this is shown by the obvious increase in the numbers of new cases and clusters in the state factored by public gatherings events.
“Based on JKNS analysis, this is also added by the failure to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs), not practicing social distancing, not using facemask and practicing personal hygiene.
“The Covid-19 virus is already among the local Sarawakian community, be it asymptomatic and symptomatic, and only waiting for the right opportunity to spread itself to others,” he said.
He noted social gathering events have contributed to a total of 11 clusters namely in Kuching (three), Samarahan (two), one each in Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Julau, Betong and Bau, with between 17 to 61 cases in each cluster.
Apart from that, he said, work places also contributed to a total of five clusters namely in Bintulu (two), one each in Matu, Meradong and Sri Aman with about 10 to 35 cases in each cluster.
He continued, the funeral ceremony also contributed to four clusters in the state, namely Sibu, Beluru, Kapit and Kuching with about 25 to 2,000 cases reported in each cluster, while the wedding ceremony created one cluster in Miri with a total of 187 cases.
“As such, JKNS calls for the public cooperation to avoid participating in any mass gathering events because the risk of Covid-19 infection is still high.
“Be concerned and smart. Protect yourself and your family, including those around you, by not exposing yourself to Covid-19 risk areas,” he said. –DayakDaily.
